Yellow curry is a fragrant, coconut-based curry known for its golden color and gentle warmth. Popular in Thai cuisine and loved worldwide, it sits between red and green curry in both flavor and spice level. In this guide, you’ll learn what yellow curry is, how it differs from other curries, what goes into it, and how to cook it at home.
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What Is Yellow Curry?
Yellow curry is a Thai-style curry made from yellow curry paste and coconut milk. Its color comes mainly from turmeric, while its flavor is built from aromatics like garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and galangal.
Compared with other Thai curries, yellow curry is usually:
- Milder in heat
- Richer and creamier
- Slightly sweet and earthy
- Less herbal than green curry
It is commonly cooked with chicken, potatoes, onions, and carrots, making it hearty and comforting.
Yellow Curry vs Red and Green Curry
Thai curries are categorized by their paste, not just their color.
Yellow curry
- Made with turmeric and cumin
- Mild to medium spice
- Creamy and slightly sweet
Red curry
- Made with red chilies
- Medium to hot
- Sharper and spicier
Green curry
- Made with fresh green chilies and herbs
- Often the hottest
- Bright and herbal
Yellow curry is often preferred by people who enjoy curry flavor but not intense heat.
Flavor Profile of Yellow Curry
Yellow curry has a layered taste that balances richness and warmth:
- Earthy from turmeric and cumin
- Creamy from coconut milk
- Savory from garlic and shallots
- Slightly sweet from coconut and palm sugar
- Mild heat from dried chilies
Because its spices are oil-soluble, yellow curry tastes fuller after simmering and often becomes better the next day.
Essential Ingredients in Yellow Curry
Yellow Curry Paste
The base of the dish, typically made from:
- Turmeric
- Dried chilies
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin
You can buy prepared paste or make it fresh at home.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk gives yellow curry its creamy body. Thicker coconut cream is often fried first with the paste to release aroma before liquid coconut milk is added.
Protein Options
Common choices include:
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Fish
- Tofu
- Chickpeas
Chicken thighs are traditional because they stay tender when simmered.
Vegetables
Typical vegetables include:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Sweet potatoes
Potatoes are especially common in Thai yellow curry, which makes it feel closer to a stew.
Seasonings
Flavor is balanced using:
- Fish sauce or soy sauce
- Palm sugar or brown sugar
- Lime juice
This creates the classic Thai balance of salty, sweet, and slightly sour.
How to Make Yellow Curry (Classic Thai Style)
Ingredients
- Yellow curry paste
- Coconut cream and coconut milk
- Chicken (or tofu)
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar
Step-by-Step Method
- Heat coconut cream in a pan until it begins to separate.
- Add curry paste and fry until fragrant.
- Add chicken and coat with paste.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add potatoes and onions.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Season with fish sauce and sugar.
- Adjust with lime juice if needed.
Serve hot with jasmine rice.
Vegetarian and Vegan Yellow Curry
To make a plant-based version:
- Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas
- Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce
- Add vegetables like cauliflower or pumpkin
The spice paste is naturally vegan if shrimp paste is omitted.
Quick Yellow Curry (30-Minute Version)
Using store-bought curry paste and canned coconut milk allows yellow curry to be prepared in under 30 minutes. This is ideal for:
- Weeknight meals
- Meal prep
- One-pot cooking
Flavor improves after resting, making it good for leftovers.
Tips for Better Yellow Curry
- Fry the curry paste in fat before adding liquid
- Do not boil coconut milk aggressively
- Taste before seasoning
- Let curry rest for 10 minutes before serving
- Store leftovers in airtight containers
How to Store Yellow Curry
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently to avoid splitting
Stir well after reheating to restore creaminess.
What to Serve with Yellow Curry
Best Side Dishes
- Jasmine rice
- Basmati rice
- Rice noodles
- Flatbread or roti
Fresh Pairings
- Cucumber salad
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh herbs
Is Yellow Curry Healthy?
Yellow curry can be nutritious depending on ingredients:
- Turmeric contains antioxidants
- Coconut milk provides healthy fats
- Vegetables add fiber
- Protein supports fullness
To lighten it:
- Use light coconut milk
- Add more vegetables
- Reduce added sugar
Frequently Asked Questions about Yellow Curry
Is yellow curry spicy?
Usually mild to medium. It is gentler than red or green curry.
Is yellow curry Thai or Indian?
This version is Thai. Indian yellow curries use dry spices and oil instead of coconut milk.
Can I make yellow curry paste at home?
Yes. Fresh paste has stronger aroma but shorter shelf life.
Is yellow curry gluten-free?
It usually is, but always check fish sauce and paste ingredients.
Why is yellow curry yellow?
Turmeric gives it its golden color.
Conclusion
Yellow curry is warm, creamy, and comforting, a dish built on spice, coconut, and balance. Whether made from scratch or with prepared paste, it offers a gentle introduction to Thai curry and a versatile base for meat, seafood, or vegetables. With simple ingredients and careful cooking, yellow curry becomes more than just a meal, it becomes a dish that deepens with time and rewards patience.
